This is the third church in my series: “Four totally different churches in Finland”.

This cathedral is situated in Turku which is the third biggest city in Finland and only about two hours by car from Helsinki to the Western coast.

This stone church was started to build in the late 13th century, and was dedicated as the main cathedral of Finland in 1300. Still nowadays this beautiful church is one of the most notable historical buildings in Finland. There has been during our history many big fires which have destroyed our churches, so also this one was badly damaged during the Great Fire of Turku in 1827, and it was rebuilt later.

The seating capacity is 1200. Cathedral is full of history. One mentionable thing is buried, famous persons in our history. Turku Cathedral is national Shrine of Finland. In this cathedral there is also one of my favorite founded in churches – Votive (ex voto)-Ship or Church Ship as they are called also.

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What a huge cathedral! I love the stone work and masonry. The stained glass windows are beautiful as well as the dome. I am curious as to what are those prone tomb-like figures by the medieval knight? And is that a type of Holy Grail box that curiously looks somewhat Egyptian and lasciviously ornate? Very intriguing photos!

Like you,I think the Church ship is very impressive, really beautiful.Is the very top of the tower, wooden, with a copper roof? It almost looks as if it was added at a later date – maybe it was. This is a striking building, but I think I prefer the intimacy of the smaller churches. Thank you for taking us inside for another tour.

Thank You for Your visit and leaving comment. Well, I checked that roof from my original photo by zooming it heavily and the result seems to be copper. BTW, You said nearly the same way as Marion, that You like smaller churches. The fact is that, so do I also. My favorite churches in my country are small wooden intimate churches, maybe the red ones far away highways.

That is a magnificent church and one of great beauty. Your photos of it are excellent! I would enjoy touring it and then being able to attend a service there. I think the atmosphere would be wonderful too.

Thank You. This church or better said Cathedral is in our country a Cathedral which might be very nearby to those European Cathedrals. Of course it is not so beautiful, but anyway. This summer I visited in other Cathedrals in my country and they are not so “pompous” than this one. They are smaller, less decorative, but in their way they are “cozies”.

Cathedral of Turku can be seen every year in television when Christmas is coming. We have long tradition, nearly since the medieval ages that the “Yule Peace” is announced in Turku in our country at the house of Prinkkala at nearby square of Cathedral and then one can see the Cathedral at background. This square is selected to the scene since 1827. Thousands of people are gathering together to listen to the declaration of Yule. This happens on December 24th at midday. Sometimes it has been so cold that brass instruments of Navy must have been warmed when listening to the music. Well, maybe I got lost again to the sidetracks, sorry.

I am glad about Your interest concerning our clerical traditions and to this Cathedral.

Thank You, Sir. It is “funny” that how little we know about our world. When I was young, I visited in London many times. Now times have been changed and I with them, so my memories have been fading. But no problems, these blogs around the world bring to our consciousness new things to be opened, new info thru wonderful texts and amazing photos.

Oh yes, memory is a funny thing!
Sometimes, the more you try to remember something. You’ll never be able to remember it.
Then, when you don’t need that piece of information. It suddenly appeared in your head!

Thank You so much. When presenting my “unknown” country, I have had in my mind, that in this case one photo is not enough. That is why I have a series of photos, that the visitor can have good idea of the whole.

Wow, when I saw the first photos of the interior, I thought it was a plain style with all the artistry in the geometry of the building itself, the clean lines, flowing curves, the predominant white colour. THEN came that AMAZING pulpit with the staircase and canopy… and then the stained glass windows and the wrought iron etc.
I love how the outside of the church features both stone and brick, I adore the paintings on the ceilings and on the walls! Your wonderful photos show off the detail very well and it’s brilliant to learn a little about buildings in Finland, a country that isn’t often in the News and which I only know a small amount about.
I’m very much looking forward to seeing the Fourth Church too.. yes they ARE all very different, but so far all spectacular in their own right. Great post! Thanks!!!

I am glad if my post gave to You some idea of this historic church. Every time when I have visited in this cathedral, I am very impressed by those persons which are buried there. I am not used to think that inside churches there are buried people. Well, I’ll hope that my next and final church in this consecutive posts do not cause any disappoint to You, Mam.

Dear Sartenada, It’s a pleasure to visit your blog (I love detail and beautiful things, and clearly so do you)I haven’t been disappointed yet, so I’m sure the next church will not disappoint either. By the way… I’m a “Mam” of the female persuasion rather than a “Sir” LOL. Have an excellent day my new friend!

Good evening Matti,
This church is very big and not comparable to the other of your churches. It is similar in architecture, interior including stained glass in the windows, various Catholic churches in our region. The high ceilings and columns to keep the church inside look even larger and more spacious. Interestingly, the images 7/8/9, the view of the organ. The splendor of the organ comes naturally and clearly. In Figures 13 to 19 of view of the altar and the pulpit was interesting. The colorful carvings including processing the gold, look very nice and not pretentious. Also interesting are the pictures 26/28/29/30/31/32/36/37/38/39/40/42 to 53 All images in this series are in their own way very beautiful and interesting. I thank you for allowing me to participate in the church leadership. It is always interesting and informative. I look forward to the next trip to your blog. Thank you for your nice comments, the e-mail and the beautiful picture. It made me very happy. I reply at the weekend. We wish you and Anja, all the best and health on your common everyday ways. Dear greetings Christel and Detlev

Thank You Christel. I see that You spent long time on my post and evaluated my photos and enjoyed yourself viewing this cathedral. Next church is very different looking church, especially from inside and it will finalize my series of presenting consecutive different churches in my country. After that there will be some Christmas posts.

Very interesting building which is definitely medieval in appearance. There is so much history here but as a place of worship I find it foreboding and somewhat depressing. But if it was filled with people, it might feel different that it looks.